Beloved Watervliet Nurse Theda Koshar Dies at 91

Theda 'Toots' Koshar was a longtime nurse at Community Hospital and cherished by her family and community.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:01pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a nurse's uniform hanging on a clothesline, with soft pools of warm color and light creating a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere.The warm, compassionate spirit of a beloved community nurse lives on in the memories of those she cared for.El Paso Today

Theda June (Kniebes) Koshar, a lifelong resident of Watervliet, Michigan, passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 91. Theda, known affectionately as 'Toots', was born in 1934 and grew up on a family farm before becoming a beloved registered nurse at Community Hospital, where she worked for over 50 years. She was remembered for her kindness, compassion, and tireless work ethic.

Why it matters

Theda's story reflects the important role that community-oriented healthcare workers play in small towns, as well as the enduring values of hard work, family, and service that were instilled in her from a young age on the family farm. Her decades of dedicated nursing service and her warm relationships with colleagues and patients made her a beloved figure in Watervliet.

The details

Theda attended the Bronson School of Nursing in Kalamazoo and became an RN. She worked at Community Hospital in Watervliet for over 50 years, where she was known as a caring colleague and friend to all. Theda married Robert Koshar in 1955, and they raised four children - Steven, Daniel, Anne, and Joseph - in Watervliet after Robert's military service in El Paso, Texas. In her free time, Theda enjoyed gardening, reading, and traveling to destinations like the Grand Canyon, Maui, and Las Vegas.

  • Theda was born on August 26, 1934.
  • Theda passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 91.
  • Theda married Robert Koshar in 1955.
  • Theda worked at Community Hospital in Watervliet for over 50 years.

The players

Theda June (Kniebes) Koshar

A lifelong resident of Watervliet, Michigan, who worked as a registered nurse at Community Hospital for over 50 years and was beloved by her family and community.

Robert Koshar

Theda's husband, who served in the military in El Paso, Texas, before returning to Watervliet with Theda to raise their four children.

Harry and Lydia Kniebes

Theda's parents, with whom she grew up on the family farm in Bainbridge Township.

Loren Kniebes

Theda's brother.

June Sims

Theda's sister.

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What they’re saying

“Grandpa doesn't need to know about this little fender bender.”

— Theda Koshar

What’s next

Visitation for Theda Koshar will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet, followed by entombment at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores.

The takeaway

Theda Koshar's life exemplified the values of hard work, compassion, and community service that were instilled in her from a young age on the family farm. Her decades of dedicated nursing at Community Hospital and her warm relationships with colleagues and patients made her a beloved figure in the small town of Watervliet, Michigan.